Canada’s role in the international trade in live monitor lizards: An examination of CITES trade data with notes on illegal trade

Abstract

Monitor lizards (Varanus spp.) are heavily traded internationally to supply demand for their skins, meat,
parts used in medicines, and as pets. We analyzed ten years (2011–2021) of CITES trade data and additional documentation
to understand Canada’s role as an importer of live monitor lizards for the pet trade. Challenges with analysis arose
due to substantial gaps in Canada’s reporting. These gaps highlight critical deficiencies in Canada’s CITES records and
pose challenges for identifying the true number of monitor lizards imported to Canada. Despite these limitations, the
records list more than 14,000 monitor lizards imported commercially to Canada during that timeframe. Some species
imported to and exported from Canada are protected in their countries of origin (over and above international CITES
listings), which makes their appearance in international trade questionable. Dedicating more resources to implementing
Canada’s prohibitions on the import of animals taken in contravention of foreign state laws could strengthen Canada’s
response to illegal trade. Ensuring accurate recording of the number of animals that are actually imported into Canada
also would provide a more precise account of the total trade volume. Improving record keeping and timely reporting
is fundamental to Canada meeting its reporting obligations under CITES.